Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Riga or Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Gothenburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Riga or Gothenburg?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesGothenburg Prices
Sweden Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Gothenburg €121
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is €121. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Riga and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Gothenburg €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Gothenburg €76
Compare Hotels in Riga and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Gothenburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Riga Hotel Prices and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Gothenburg €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $52
- Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $33
- Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $52
- Sightseeing Transfer from Riga to Tallinn: $133
- Super Grand Prix - Go-Kart Racing with Transfers: $249
- Snowmobile Adventure with Transfer: $196
- Go-Kart Racing & Pub Crawl with Transfers: $136
- Canal and River Cruise with Old Town Transfer: $20
- Abandoned Building Exploration Tour with Transfer: $288
- 4x4 Off-Road Adventure with Hotel Transfers: $254
- 2-Hour Quad Bike Tour with Transfer: $311
- 100% Private Countryside Sauna, Hot Tub & Transfer: $565
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $85
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $119
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $163
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Riga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayRiga €57Gothenburg €64
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Gothenburg €15
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town: $102
- 5,5 Hour Small Group Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $86
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $78
- Art Nouveau Riga Walking Tour Architectural Gems and Highlights: $171
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- City Sightseeing Riga Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $34
- Civilization Secrets Private Walking Tour in Riga: $455
- Da Vinci Genius immersive art experience in Riga: $17
- Day Tour from Riga to Vilnius via Kaunas Sugihara Museum: $297
- Deluxe Riga Tour from Cruise Port: $51
- Discover Old A Walking Tour Through Time: $103
- Drifta Halle | BMW Indoor Drift Experience: $80
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self-Guided Tour in Gothenburg With 100 Audio Stories: $3.41
- Gothenburg Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $11
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $17
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $20
- Gothenburg Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $23
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $23
- Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $25
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $27
- The Paddan Sightseeing Boat Tour: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Gothenburg €20
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $33
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $34
- Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $37
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $40
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Gothenburg, we can see that Riga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Gothenburg?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Gothenburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Riga or Gothenburg?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Riga or Gothenburg in the Summer?
Both Gothenburg and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in July than Gothenburg. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Riga or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Gothenburg. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In October, Riga is generally cooler than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Riga or Gothenburg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Riga is much colder than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Riga or Gothenburg in the Spring?
Both Gothenburg and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Riga is around the same temperature as Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In April, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gothenburg. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Riga
| Riga | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.